English springer spaniels
Peasblossom
Taking your Puppy home
The day will finally come when you are taking your new Springer puppy home and from then on your life will never be the same again :) A good breeder will of course guide you along the way and provide you with all the information you will need to get started on your journey together with the puppy.
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At eight weeks of age, the puppies are usually on four meals a day, reducing to three at around twelve weeks old. For many years we have fed our own dogs on a raw food diet and strongly believe that this is the best possible way to feed for optimum health. We do, however, appreciate that not everyone will want to feed their dogs this way so our puppies are therefore reared on a combination of raw meats and high-quality kibble to prepare them for their lives ahead with their new families. Food will be provided to start the puppy off in his or her new home. Of course, you are at liberty to change the puppy's diet but this should be done gradually to avoid upset tummies. Some of our recommendations are shown at the bottom of the page.
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Before your puppy is fully vaccinated it should not be taken to public places where other dogs have been. However, this does not stop you from inviting people of all ages to visit or from carrying your puppy in your arms so it can see some of the world. A well socialised puppy will pay dividends in the long term. After vaccinations, exercising and walks should be kept short. A very young puppy will get all the exercise it needs during play. Treat the puppy as you would a human baby making sure it gets plenty of undisturbed rest. On the subject of vaccinations, please proceed with caution. As breeders we have always felt that less is more when it comes to 'chemicals' and as a result, give only puppy vaccines to our dogs and no further boosters. Please also research the necessity for the vaccine against Leptospirosis. We no longer give this at all but please read, in particular, issues with the Lepto 4 vaccine.
Provide your puppy with plenty of toys. Soft toys, latex and squeaky toys are preferable for the soft mouth of a springer. We find that our adult dogs continue to prefer soft toys as they mature. Use toys to distract the puppy from undesirable behaviour such as chewing the furniture. This will happen when the puppy is teething!
A puppy should be taken for regular, short trips in the car so that it gets used to the motion. Many puppies are car sick initially and the only way is to get them used to it over time.
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Worming: Puppies should have been wormed several times by the breeder by the time your new family member joins you. After that and up until six months of age, the pup should be wormed every month and then twice annually thereafter.
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Fleas & Ticks: In the UK we did not have to worry about ticks at all! We found an occasional one after a walk but they were harmless. Here in Croatia, and in many countries, in fact, it is a different story. Ticks are killers and dogs need to be protected against them. In all honesty, we were fearful of using more chemicals but in this case they are a necessary evil.
Grooming: Try to get the puppy used to being groomed. A puppy that is happy to be handled will make it very much easier for any future groomer and of course the vet. The breeder will have groomed the puppy from the very start by keeping nails short, ears clean and coat tidy. This should be kept up with short grooming sessions. The more you practice, the more used to it the puppy will become.
Recommendations
Essential Dog Food